Qinling Summer Retreat Secret Guide

Deep within the Qinling Mountains lies a "Little Jiangnan"! Ancient villages, streams, starry sky inns… This hidden escape, overlooked by 99% of people, is the ultimate summer paradise! When the city is scorched by 40°C heat and tourist spots are more "heated" than the weather—deep in the mountains on the southern slope of Qinling, there is a **"breathing ancient village": two mountains flanking a valley, a stream flowing through the village, blue-tiled stone houses reflected in the clear water, red lanterns gently swaying in the breeze… This is not Jiangnan water town, but Zhongnan Village**—a "Qinling version of Peach Blossom Land" blending ancient charm, nature, and slow living! 1. Why choose Zhongnan Village? Four reasons to fall in love instantly 🔥Reason 1: Natural oxygen bar, the ultimate summer cool spot • Zhongnan Village is located in Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, on the southern slope of Qinling, at an altitude of 800-1200 meters. The average summer temperature is only 22°C (8-10°C cooler than Xi’an)! • Surrounded by continuous mountains with over 95% vegetation coverage, the air contains up to 30,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³ (100 times that of the city), making every breath a "lung cleansing" experience. • The village stream flows gently, with water temperature around 18°C year-round. Barefoot wading, water fights, catching small fish… it’s like a "natural air-conditioned room"! 🔥Reason 2: Full ancient village charm, 100% photo-worthy • Village buildings are made of brick, tile, wood, and earth, with stone slab roofs, earthen walls, blue tiles, and carved wooden windows, paired with hanging red lanterns—every snapshot is a classic ancient style scene. • Streams flow through the streets, reflecting houses, trees, blue sky, and white clouds in the water, with light and shadow dancing poetically (wear a light-colored long dress for dreamy reflections). • At dusk, smoke curls from chimneys, red lanterns light up, and the whole village is bathed in a warm golden glow—quieter than Jiangnan water towns, more pristine than Lijiang Old Town! 🔥Reason 3: Super rich activities, fun for the whole family • For families: catch fish by the stream, DIY crafts (pottery, tie-dye), watch shadow puppetry, enjoy farmhouse meals… kids won’t want to leave! • For couples/friends: wear Hanfu for photos, stay in starry sky inns, watch outdoor movies at night, gather around the stove for tea… full of romance! • For corporate team building: hiking, bonfire parties, team training, BBQ parties… team spirit will soar! 🔥Reason 4: Only 1.5 hours from Xi’an, easy to go anytime • Drive from Xi’an via Baomao Expressway, 1.5 hours direct (navigate to "Zhongnan Village"). • Or take a bus from Xi’an South Bus Station to "Zhashui Yingpan Town," then a 10-minute taxi to the village (total about 2 hours). • Perfect for weekend or short trips—no need to take leave, leave after work Friday, return Sunday night, easy and fun! 2. How to enjoy Zhongnan Village? 2-day 1-night deep guide! 📅Day 1: Ancient village stroll + streamside fun • Morning: • 9:00 depart from Xi’an, arrive at the village by 10:30, buy tickets at the visitor center (free admission, some activities charge fees). • Recommended route: Village gate → Ancient theater → Handicraft street → Stream walkway → Zhongnan Inn (take photos, play in water, buy handmade souvenirs along the way). • Noon: • Eat farmhouse dishes at "Old Zhashui" restaurant (recommended: Zhashui potato cakes, smoked pork stir-fried with vermicelli, fairy jelly), about 50 RMB per person (a bit pricey but fresh ingredients). • Afternoon: • Try fishing by the stream (30 RMB/person, nets and buckets provided), kids love it! • Or do pottery (80 RMB/person) or tie-dye (60 RMB/person) on Handicraft Street, take your creations home as souvenirs. • Evening: • Around 5:30, village lights turn on, go to the viewing platform for panoramic shots (sunset + red lanterns, very atmospheric). • Dinner at "Streamside Cottage" BBQ (about 80 RMB/person, recommended grilled fish and meat skewers), enjoy the stream view while eating, super cozy! 📅Day 2: Mountain hiking + starry sky inn experience • Morning: • 8:00 depart for Niubeiliang National Forest Park (3 km from village, 110 RMB entrance), hike to see primeval forest, alpine meadows, sea of clouds sunrise (for fit young people). • Or take elders and kids to Qinling Canyon Rafting (5 km from village, 138 RMB entrance), 2.8 km route with 100 m drop, thrilling yet safe! • Noon: • Eat farmhouse food at "Mountain Dweller’s Home" (recommended: stewed native chicken with mushrooms, wild vegetable pancakes), about 40 RMB per person. • Afternoon: • Return to village, check into "Starry Sky Inn" (recommended: Zhongnan Courtyard, Xishan Travel, 500-1000 RMB/night), rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces, lie in bed and watch stars at night! • Or visit "Zhongnan Academy" for tea, reading, and calligraphy, experience slow living. • Evening: • Join the bonfire party (every Friday and Saturday night in summer, free), dance, sing, watch fireworks with locals, very lively! 3. Accommodation recommendations: from budget to luxury, there’s one for you 🏡Budget options (200-400 RMB/night): • Zhongnan Inn: core village location, wooden structure, clean rooms, some with balconies overlooking the stream (recommended "Stream View Room"). • Mountain Cottage: great value, friendly owner, free breakfast (handmade steamed buns + millet porridge), family-friendly. 🏡Mid to high-end options (500-800 RMB/night): • Xishan Travel: highly designed, rooms themed on "mountains and water," floor-to-ceiling windows + terraces, perfect for couples/friends. • Zhongnan Courtyard: standalone villa with private hot spring, good privacy, suitable for families or small groups (6-8 people). 🏡Luxury option (1000 RMB+/night): • Zhongnan Village Luxury Hotel: the only five-star standard hotel in the village, high-end facilities, top service, but pricey (for those with a generous budget). 4. Food guide: must-try local specialties! 🍜Must-eat snacks: • Zhashui Potato Cake: steamed mashed potatoes pan-fried golden on both sides, dipped in chili oil, soft, fragrant, and spicy! • Fairy Jelly: made from "fairy tree" leaves, green and translucent, served cold with sweet and sour sauce, refreshing and cooling. • Smoked Pork Stir-fried with Vermicelli: Zhashui smoked pork is richly flavored, vermicelli is soft, stir-fried together, so tasty you’ll lick the plate! 🍖Main meal recommendations: • Old Zhashui Restaurant: most popular in the village, recommended stewed native chicken with mushrooms, wild vegetable pancakes, sauerkraut stir-fried konjac. • Streamside Cottage: specializes in BBQ and hot pot, recommended grilled fish, meat skewers, mushroom broth hot pot. 🍵Drink recommendations: • Zhongnan Academy: serves local high mountain tea, paired with walnut cookies and chestnut cakes, perfect for afternoon tea. • Handicraft Street: buy a jar of Zhashui honey (direct from local beekeepers), sweet when brewed in water! 5. Practical tips: locals’ secret "pit avoidance guide" 1. Wear the right shoes: many stone paths and slippery stream edges, wear non-slip sports shoes (no heels or slippers). 2. Bring enough cash: some small shops have poor signal and can’t accept mobile payments, bring 200 RMB cash just in case. 3. Mosquito and sun protection: many mosquitoes in the mountains, bring repellent; strong UV in summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. 4. Avoid peak times: weekends are crowded, better to arrive Friday afternoon and leave Sunday noon (avoid peak crowds). 5. Book in advance: during peak season (June-August), inns need to be booked at least 1 week ahead, especially starry sky inns and standalone villas. 6. Pet policy: some inns allow pets (confirm in advance), but charge cleaning fees (50-100 RMB/night). 6. Nearby combined trips: Zhongnan Village + surrounding attractions for varied fun 1. Zhongnan Village + Niubeiliang: • Distance: 3 km (10-minute drive). • Plan: hike Niubeiliang in the morning to see the sea of clouds, return to the village in the afternoon to play in water and stay in inns, great for outdoor lovers. 2. Zhongnan Village + Qinling Canyon Rafting: • Distance: 5 km (15-minute drive). • Plan: thrilling rafting in the morning to relieve stress, BBQ and stargazing in the village in the afternoon, perfect for young groups. 3. Zhongnan Village + Zhashui Karst Caves: • Distance: 20 km (30-minute drive). • Plan: explore caves and stalactites in the morning, return to the village in the afternoon to experience ancient village charm, ideal for family trips.